SS-Obersturmbannführer Paul-Albert Kausch (March 3rd, 1911-October 27th, 2001)
By: Rich Deveau-Maxwell
Paul-Albert Kausch was born on the 3rd of March 1911 in Jagersdorf, Pomerania, the son of a protestant estate owner. Kausch attended the Potsdam Realgymnasium from 1927-1929 and the State German High School in Jüterborg and achieved his matriculation on 8th March 1933 with the following grades:
1. Religion: good
2. German: sufficient
3. History (civics): good
4. Geography: sufficient
5. Mathematics: good
6. Physics: sufficient
7. Chemistry: sufficient
8. Biology: good
9. English: good
10. French: --
11. Latin: good
12. Art: sufficient
13. Music: insufficient
14. Physical Exercise: very good
Whilst generally a good student, Kausch was a particularly passionate sportsman; music and the arts clearly did not interest him.
Paul-Albert Kausch joined the SS, and the Lebensborn, on 1st February 1933. An early assessment of Kausch dated 27.10.34 stated, “Rottenführer Kausch has been on duty in the LAH since 8.7.33. Since 1.10.33 he is a member of the 4th Sturm. Kausch is a good soldier and comrade. His behaviour during his time on and off duty is always good. During training Kausch was very special.”
On 6.1.35. Joachim Peiper reported for duty at the Juterborg camp for the Officer Cadet course. As SS-Rottenführer, Paul-Albert Kausch recalled of Peiper, “Jochen Peiper, Rüdinger von Bodungen, Max Kühn etc, were in my group. I took a lot of trouble with them and I believe it paid off, for they all graduated as suitable. I had personal contact with Jochen because he was a born soldier and had all the necessary qualifications. You would have thought that he already knew everything. I knew at the time he already belonged to the best and he showed this during the school.”
On 23.2.35. at the SS-Führeranwarterlehrgang, SS-Officer Candidate Kausch was described as “a very calm man, easily inclined to criticism, with very good comprehension and a versatile knowledge.” Kausch was deemed excellent as an instructor, with the ability to make himself understood by superiors and subordinates alike, and assessed as a convinced soldier with excellent performance, particularly in sports. His relations with comrades and his performance of administrative duties were described as exemplary.
As part of his Officer Candidate assessment, Kausch underwent a Psychological testing on 8/9 April 1935. The expert opinion of the examination school presented its psychological findings in the follwing report: “This is a sober, cool-headed, self-confident personality with a confident, purposeful appearance. The examinee has fully sufficient intellectual abilities, which he endeavours to apply to a wide range of areas. The stream of thoughts is lively and guided by higher aspects. Technical things only interest him less, although his thinking is quite factually determined, whereby he can seem impersonal and cold at times. The emotional life steps something into the background at all, for the sake of quick understanding and real judgement. His strong, persistent inner tension, which is intensified by ambition, corresponds to his serious mood, which at times makes him seem irritable and intolerable. All in all, a predominantly volitional, agile, but also quite self-confident personality with a strong interest in the soldier's profession.
Findings of the psychiatrist: a well qualified, honourable man, predominantly guided by will and understanding, in whom personal feelings remain strongly veiled, without character deficiencies becoming visible.
Special remarks of the military co-investigators: A man who is willing to work, physically and mentally agile, of a secure appearance, who can assert himself effortlessly. Suitable as a superior.
Suitability judgement of the examination school: Mentally and physically quite well qualified, tense and ambitiously striving personality, which tends sometimes towards arrogance. He has a strong urge to follow his chosen profession, but must still gain warmth of feeling to always acquire the heart of his subordinates.”
On 7.4.35, Kausch’s final evaluation at Jüterborg deemed that he met the requirements necessary, and was transferred to the SS-Führerschule Braunschweig.
A short while later at the Führerschule Braunschweig, then SS-Standartenjunker Kausch’s forceful personality would manifest itself in an incident on Wednesday, December 18, 1935, at 6.45 p.m., in an altercation with a member of the training staff, resulting in Kausch walking out of the session. As a result, the course leader SS-Haupsturmführer Rolf Lochmüller, sentenced Kausch to three days mild arrest. This minor clash with authority would reinforce the findings of the psychological examination, although it would be the only instance where Kausch allowed his true feelings to manifest themselves physically, although the incident would be remarked upon in time to come.
In January 1936 Kausch passed the final examination at the SS-Führerschule Braunschweig ranked 70 out of 147 candidates with the following grades and remarks:
1. Ideological Education: Quite Good
2. Tactical Instruction: Sufficient
3. Military Affairs: Sufficient
4. Topography and Cartography: Almost Sufficient
5. Military Service: Quite Good
6. Physical Education: Quite Good
7. Combat Weapons and Personal Weapons: Sufficient
8. Engineers Training: Quite Good
9. General Practical Army Doctrine: Quite Good
10. Horse Riding: Sufficient
11. Signals Classes: Sufficient
12. Vehicle Maintenance: Sufficient
13. Aviation: Sufficient
14. Drawing: Sufficient
“Knowledge proven and sufficient achievements shown on the whole. Very good in front and in the auditorium. Ambitious and striving with a tendency to be over-bright; slightly effervescent. Very good judgement, as well as mental and physical abilities. Very diligent. With a strong will he connects great love to soldiering. His performances are above the average. Comradely feeling is present. With the application of his arrogance and the containment of his fiery nature, Kausch promises to become a good leader. Because of this mistake Kausch had to be punished on 21.12.35 with three days mild arrest. His current leadership is very good. Suitable as a leader.” Ironically the examination was signed by the aforementioned SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Lochmüller.
Following his completion of the Führerschule Braunschweig, Kausch was transferred in April 1936 to the SS Totenkopfsturmbann “Sachsen”.
On the 17th April SS-Obersturmbannführer Jürgen Wagner commented succinctly of Kausch “Very good, a little reckless.”
Later that year, whilst with III./ Totenkopfsturmbann "Saschsen" at Konzentration-Lager Sachsenburg on 4.8.36. SS-Untersturmführer Kausch is described as of good military appearance with good military characteristics; “He is an impeccable trainer, has good military knowledge and is able to use this knowledge in practice. His duties as Zugführer are therefore completely fulfilled. It took Kausch a long time before he had settled into the III./SS-TV "Sachsen" in a more comradely way. Even now he still faces most of his comrades somewhat strangely. The blame for this lies first and foremost with an unapproachable air that at times borders on arrogance. He was also only slowly able to gain the trust of his subordinates. Kausch, however, always behaves quite correctly and now fits in in his new unit. Kausch promises to become a perfect SS leader in every respect.”
Between April 1936 and June 1937 Kausch remained with III./SS-TV “Sachsen”, and from June 1937 until May 1938 with SS-Totenkopfstandarte “Thüringen” as SS-Untersturmführer in 23 (MG) SS-Totenkopfhundertschaft. Frankenberg. On 12th May 1937 was written “since 19.4.36 Paul Kausch is a member of the 23rd (MG) Hundertschaft as Zugfuhrer. His theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabled him to become the leader of a “Hundert”. He has developed his lack of experience with great enthusiasm. His behaviour towards the men is correct. As a deficiency I feel that SS-Ustuf Kausch does not worry enough about the small concerns of his men, but I believe with certainty that SS-Ustuf Kausch, who is a very good soldier, will also become a fully developed SS-man. His performance is very good.”
Paul-Albert Kausch acknowledged receipt of the SS Honour sword and award document on 13.9.36.
From May 1938 to October 1939 Kausch served with SS-Totenkopfstandarte “Oberbayern”.
On 24 February 1939 approval was granted for the engagement and marriage of Paul-Albert Kausch, residing in SS accommodation at Dachau, to Fraulein Erika Holzschuher.
On 25.5.39 SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Eduard Deisenhofer, Kommandeur II./1.SS Standarte observed of Paul-Albert Kausch in an evaluation:
“A) Character:
1. Good qualities: open, straight, honest, sincere, reliable, responsible, dutiful, willing to serve, hardworking, economical, orderly, self-confessed, works on himself, striving for further development.
2.Bad qualities: makes personal demands.
3. Willpower: very good.
4. Decisiveness: good.
5. Hardness against oneself: good.
6. Mental freshness and disposition: very good.
7. Perceptive faculty: very good.
8. Judgment: good, slightly impulsive.
9. Outlook on life: affirmative.
B) Outer posture:
1. Cleanliness: very good.
2. Appearance and attitude: very good.
3. Behaviour towards superiors: correct.
4. Behaviour towards comrades: good.
5. Behaviour towards subordinates: good, somewhat cold.
6. Leadership aptitude: very good.
7. Takes care of his subordinates: yes.
8. Behaviour in company: very agile.
9. Physical preparedness: very good.
C) Formation:
1. Education: secondary school.
2. Served in the Army, SS-VT, Police, duration, last rank, special training: 1.6.33 to 1.4.35 LAH. Junker school, Braunschweig 35/36. Sept 38 to January 39 Heer 8./IR11.
3. Foreign languages mastered: none.
4. German language mastered in word and writing: yes!
D) Performance:
1. Masters service regulations: yes.
2. Command language: good.
3. What he teaches, he stands above the subject matter, he teaches confidently and convincingly, or is able to be superficial: impeccable.
4. Can he exercise his troop properly: yes.
5. Is he a capable trainer: yes.
6. How far his tactical knowledge reaches: Company leader.
7. What he does in field service: a) as teacher, b) as leader of his unit: a) good, b) good.
8. Which weapons does he master; he can teach about them: The weapons of the infantry battalion, - yes.
9. Does he master the doctrine for these weapons: yes.
10. How he handles internal service: strict, impeccable.
11. How does he handle the disciplinary power to which he is entitled: well, tends to sharpness.
12. Can be a role model for his men in ideological matters: yes.
13. Are the weapons, equipment and devices entrusted to him in order and complete: yes.
14. How does he do in sport; is he in possession of the sports badges: very good; yes.
15. Aptitude as an adjutant or leader in the staff: well suited.
E) Suitability Suitable as company commander, a schützen company, an MG company. Suitable as adjutant of a regiment, leader of a staff, leader of a concentration camp.
F) Overall assessment: A very capable, self-confident company commander, who will probably later also be suitable for use in higher positions. He is easily arrogant, because he knows what he can do, but with good supervision he is easy to keep in order.”
On Kausch’s brief service in the Heer as mentioned in Deisenhofer’s evaluation, Kausch was part of an exchange of Heer and SS officers for furthering the training of the SS officers. Kausch would claim that the commander of IR11 tried to persuade him to transfer permanently, with an offer of preferential promotion. Kausch returned to the Waffen-SS.
From the 1st of April to the 30th of April 1940 Kausch attended the SS Artillery School at Jüterborg. Following the completion of the course, Kausch was transferred to the 5th company of the SS-Totenkopf Artillery Regiment as a battery commander, where he would see action for the first time, during the campaign in France, as SS-Haupsturmführer.
On 1.12.1940 Theodor Eicke as Kommandeur II./SS TAR endorsed the following commentary on Kausch.
“Battery commander. Age: 29 years.
A) Character: open, honest, straight, responsible, committed, striving.
B) Value: Kausch is mentally very flexible, fresh and self-confident. His appearance testifies to trained personality values. In the service he is hard and unyielding according to necessity. His overall appearance corresponds to that of an SS officer.
C) National Socialist: Kausch is ideologically consolidated. He lives, acts and educates his subordinates by word and example according to the principles of the National Socialist ideology.
D) Soldier: Kausch is a soldierly educator from inner urge and disposition. He possesses quick decisiveness, energy, hardness and good soldier’s ability.
E) Attitude: his outer attitude is firm and soldierly. He treats his subordinates with much understanding, fair and caring. In the fighting in France, Kausch has distinguished himself through successful and responsible management of his battery, as well as through personal bravery.
F) Performance: Kausch is a good and responsible battery chief; his infantry and artillery knowledge, his organizational talent, as well as his abilities in leading a unit, Kausch has proved under most difficult conditions with the establishment of the SS TK A.R., in particular in the fighting in France. Kausch is well versed in the exercise of disciplinary and penal powers. He possesses good knowledge of human nature and clear and just judgement. To his subordinates he is a strict superior, good educator and equally good comrade. During his assignment in France, Kausch proved himself not only through his flawless management of his battery, but also through his personal bravery, and was awarded the EKII and EKI for this.
G) Overall verdict: Kausch is an impeccable, good battery commander, and his service is characterised by a lot of enthusiam for his job and an equally great sense of responsibility. Kausch has successfully attended a leadership course at the artillery school in Jüterborg.
H) aptitude: as company leader of a battery, as leader of a battalion.”
Following the successful conclusion of the French campaign, SS-Haupsturmführer Kausch received notice on 1.1.1941. of his transfer to the SS-Division “Wiking” with the position of divisional adjutant. From August 1941 until January 1942, Kausch was the commander of the 1st Battalion of “Wiking’s” Artillery Regiment.
On 30.1.1942 Kausch received his promotion to SS-Sturmbannführer, still in his capacity of divisional adjutant. He was described by Herbert Gille as “an honest, straight character who is popular with both superiors and subordinates. His services as abteilung commander meet the requirements. Well proven before the enemy.” Felix Steiner endorsed Gille’s opinion, commenting “Reliable, energetic and proven. As Battalion commander fully suitable for promotion.”
On 23.1.43 Kausch was sent to the Abteilungsfuhrerschule fur Schnelle Truppen and described as a “gifted SS leader with good tactical ability. He is inclined to criticism, but is interested in working with the new equipment and will quickly familiarise himself with the new doctrine” agreed by the Oberst and kommandeur of the schule. Shortly afterwards, from 16.3.43 - 24.3.43. The SS-FHA of SS-Pz.Gren.Div "Wiking" sent Kausch again to the Schnelle Truppenschule for a training course with the Panzer V (Panther) and Panzer VI (Tiger).
After commanding an Artillery battalion in SS-Division “Wiking” Kausch was transferred to the 11th SS-Panzergrenadier Division “Nordland”, tasked with the creation of 11th SS Panzer Battalion “Hermann von Salza” as its commander.
SS-Gruppenführer Fritz von Scholz wrote the following of SS-Sturmbannführer Kausch, “since May 1943 Kausch has commanded SS-Panzer Battalion “Hermann von Salza”; he is a solid, somewhat idiosyncratic, lively personality. He is energetic, and knows how to motivate and lead his subordinates. Mental and physical performance is fully delivered. Official knowledge and performance of official languages. Unfamiliarity in the use of tanks is balanced by personal operational readiness. Able to develop. off duty at times a little overexcitable, nevertheless popular among comrades. Worldview consolidated and clear, convincing lecturer. Proven before the enemy in all situations. Fills his position fully. Will be after further promotion a good, reliable Panzer Battalion commander.”
After “Hermann von Salza” arrived at Narva, Kausch led the mass of the unit in infantry combat to the south of Narva town, while Artur Grathwol led the one armoured company at the Narva Bridgehead. “Hermann von Salza” then took over the armour left behind by the KG Fuehrer Begleit-Bataillon, and Kausch finally led armoured attacks in the defence of the Tannenberg Line.
Wounded from 21.7-1.8.44, Kausch was recommended for (paperwork submitted 30th July 1944), and awarded the Knight’s Cross (#3437) on 23rd August 1944 for “On the 29.7.1944 the impending breakthrough of the 120. Russian Rifle Division was thwarted. That Kausch, whose command post was already surrounded, being protected by machine-pistol troops, gathered together a few men and led a counter-attack. By skilful exploitation of our own armoured attack in the neighbouring section, the gap in the front was closed again. Success: Close down the dangerous (fighting-critical) threat against the deep southern flank of the defence of the Narva-bend. On the 28.7.44 Kausch led, in lightning-fast grasp of the situation, by ruthless audacity, gathering together assault guns and panzergrenadiers, attacking the enemy on a broad front against the gap in the line. He closed the gap and prevented a breakthrough on the Reval by the enemy formations. Kausch was wounded in the conduct of an attack on the 29.7.44.
Following his convalescence, Kausch was subsequently sent on the 17th Regimental commanders training course at the Panzer Troop School Bergen from 20.11-16.12.44.
Of Kausch SS-Standartenjunker Will Fey wrote “During the final battle for Berlin, the 11th SS Panzergrenadier Division “Nordland”, with the King Tigers of SS-Panzer Abteilung 503 became the central point of the last resistance against the Red Army. On April 26th SS-Brigadeführer Gustav Krukenberg reported six King Tigers and assault guns ready for action on the routes leading to the government quarter (the “Citadel”). The King Tigers received their battle orders from Kausch’s command posts of SS-Panzer Regiment “Nordland” on the Tiergartenstrasse. On 2nd May during the breakout from the Citadel, the armoured personnel carrier with the critically wounded Paul-Albert Kausch on board was buried by a collapsing wall, injuring the commander further. The accompanying medical officer Dr. Bartak transported him to the emergency hospital at the Adlon Hotel and operated on Kausch as best possible. Around 10am the Russians came and his captivity began. After the hospital was moved to Frankfurt am Oder and after two unsuccessful escape attempts, Kausch’s long trek through many many Russian camps during eleven years of captivity began. He returned home on 16 January 1956.”
Some other camps Kausch was interred in were Minsk, Stalingrad and Sverdlovsk.
SS-Untersturmführer Karl Heinz Bögel of the LAH recalled of Kausch’s time in captivity in Prison camp 437 in Cherepovice, 400 kilometers north of Moscow. “In a camp corner there was a special barbed wire prison, about 5x5 meters in size. Paul Albert Kausch was held here. 1945: Everything was broken. Deep despair. Chaff of doom. Without hope. But there was this man, this soldier. Unbroken! Taut and disciplined, he did daily gymnastics exercises in his cage. Alone. Always! The torturers of the NKVD brutally terrorized him. His fate moved us all. He became a legend in the camp. In the first winter 2,000 prisoners died. Every day we marched past the wire cage: generals, staff officers, young lieutenants. Me too. The generals set the example: Older gentlemen, straightened up, greeted the man in the cage with great military respect. It was a ritual. I also survived. Not least because Kausch was there. I have to thank you!”
After his return to Germany, Kausch rebuilt his life; from 1st July 1956 to 30th June 1976 he worked as an executive purchaser in a worldwide pharmaceutical firm.
Sources used:
Paul-Albert Kausch Personalakte: NARA.
“Officer Training in the Waffen-SS” Richard Schulze-Kossens, 1987 by Munin Verlag.
“Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS”: Will Fey, 1990 by JJ Fedorowicz Publishing.
“Der Freiwillige”, Volume 48, Issue 4, April 2002.
Paul-Albert Kausch was born on the 3rd of March 1911 in Jagersdorf, Pomerania, the son of a protestant estate owner. Kausch attended the Potsdam Realgymnasium from 1927-1929 and the State German High School in Jüterborg and achieved his matriculation on 8th March 1933 with the following grades:
1. Religion: good
2. German: sufficient
3. History (civics): good
4. Geography: sufficient
5. Mathematics: good
6. Physics: sufficient
7. Chemistry: sufficient
8. Biology: good
9. English: good
10. French: --
11. Latin: good
12. Art: sufficient
13. Music: insufficient
14. Physical Exercise: very good
Whilst generally a good student, Kausch was a particularly passionate sportsman; music and the arts clearly did not interest him.
Paul-Albert Kausch joined the SS, and the Lebensborn, on 1st February 1933. An early assessment of Kausch dated 27.10.34 stated, “Rottenführer Kausch has been on duty in the LAH since 8.7.33. Since 1.10.33 he is a member of the 4th Sturm. Kausch is a good soldier and comrade. His behaviour during his time on and off duty is always good. During training Kausch was very special.”
On 6.1.35. Joachim Peiper reported for duty at the Juterborg camp for the Officer Cadet course. As SS-Rottenführer, Paul-Albert Kausch recalled of Peiper, “Jochen Peiper, Rüdinger von Bodungen, Max Kühn etc, were in my group. I took a lot of trouble with them and I believe it paid off, for they all graduated as suitable. I had personal contact with Jochen because he was a born soldier and had all the necessary qualifications. You would have thought that he already knew everything. I knew at the time he already belonged to the best and he showed this during the school.”
On 23.2.35. at the SS-Führeranwarterlehrgang, SS-Officer Candidate Kausch was described as “a very calm man, easily inclined to criticism, with very good comprehension and a versatile knowledge.” Kausch was deemed excellent as an instructor, with the ability to make himself understood by superiors and subordinates alike, and assessed as a convinced soldier with excellent performance, particularly in sports. His relations with comrades and his performance of administrative duties were described as exemplary.
As part of his Officer Candidate assessment, Kausch underwent a Psychological testing on 8/9 April 1935. The expert opinion of the examination school presented its psychological findings in the follwing report: “This is a sober, cool-headed, self-confident personality with a confident, purposeful appearance. The examinee has fully sufficient intellectual abilities, which he endeavours to apply to a wide range of areas. The stream of thoughts is lively and guided by higher aspects. Technical things only interest him less, although his thinking is quite factually determined, whereby he can seem impersonal and cold at times. The emotional life steps something into the background at all, for the sake of quick understanding and real judgement. His strong, persistent inner tension, which is intensified by ambition, corresponds to his serious mood, which at times makes him seem irritable and intolerable. All in all, a predominantly volitional, agile, but also quite self-confident personality with a strong interest in the soldier's profession.
Findings of the psychiatrist: a well qualified, honourable man, predominantly guided by will and understanding, in whom personal feelings remain strongly veiled, without character deficiencies becoming visible.
Special remarks of the military co-investigators: A man who is willing to work, physically and mentally agile, of a secure appearance, who can assert himself effortlessly. Suitable as a superior.
Suitability judgement of the examination school: Mentally and physically quite well qualified, tense and ambitiously striving personality, which tends sometimes towards arrogance. He has a strong urge to follow his chosen profession, but must still gain warmth of feeling to always acquire the heart of his subordinates.”
On 7.4.35, Kausch’s final evaluation at Jüterborg deemed that he met the requirements necessary, and was transferred to the SS-Führerschule Braunschweig.
A short while later at the Führerschule Braunschweig, then SS-Standartenjunker Kausch’s forceful personality would manifest itself in an incident on Wednesday, December 18, 1935, at 6.45 p.m., in an altercation with a member of the training staff, resulting in Kausch walking out of the session. As a result, the course leader SS-Haupsturmführer Rolf Lochmüller, sentenced Kausch to three days mild arrest. This minor clash with authority would reinforce the findings of the psychological examination, although it would be the only instance where Kausch allowed his true feelings to manifest themselves physically, although the incident would be remarked upon in time to come.
In January 1936 Kausch passed the final examination at the SS-Führerschule Braunschweig ranked 70 out of 147 candidates with the following grades and remarks:
1. Ideological Education: Quite Good
2. Tactical Instruction: Sufficient
3. Military Affairs: Sufficient
4. Topography and Cartography: Almost Sufficient
5. Military Service: Quite Good
6. Physical Education: Quite Good
7. Combat Weapons and Personal Weapons: Sufficient
8. Engineers Training: Quite Good
9. General Practical Army Doctrine: Quite Good
10. Horse Riding: Sufficient
11. Signals Classes: Sufficient
12. Vehicle Maintenance: Sufficient
13. Aviation: Sufficient
14. Drawing: Sufficient
“Knowledge proven and sufficient achievements shown on the whole. Very good in front and in the auditorium. Ambitious and striving with a tendency to be over-bright; slightly effervescent. Very good judgement, as well as mental and physical abilities. Very diligent. With a strong will he connects great love to soldiering. His performances are above the average. Comradely feeling is present. With the application of his arrogance and the containment of his fiery nature, Kausch promises to become a good leader. Because of this mistake Kausch had to be punished on 21.12.35 with three days mild arrest. His current leadership is very good. Suitable as a leader.” Ironically the examination was signed by the aforementioned SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Lochmüller.
Following his completion of the Führerschule Braunschweig, Kausch was transferred in April 1936 to the SS Totenkopfsturmbann “Sachsen”.
On the 17th April SS-Obersturmbannführer Jürgen Wagner commented succinctly of Kausch “Very good, a little reckless.”
Later that year, whilst with III./ Totenkopfsturmbann "Saschsen" at Konzentration-Lager Sachsenburg on 4.8.36. SS-Untersturmführer Kausch is described as of good military appearance with good military characteristics; “He is an impeccable trainer, has good military knowledge and is able to use this knowledge in practice. His duties as Zugführer are therefore completely fulfilled. It took Kausch a long time before he had settled into the III./SS-TV "Sachsen" in a more comradely way. Even now he still faces most of his comrades somewhat strangely. The blame for this lies first and foremost with an unapproachable air that at times borders on arrogance. He was also only slowly able to gain the trust of his subordinates. Kausch, however, always behaves quite correctly and now fits in in his new unit. Kausch promises to become a perfect SS leader in every respect.”
Between April 1936 and June 1937 Kausch remained with III./SS-TV “Sachsen”, and from June 1937 until May 1938 with SS-Totenkopfstandarte “Thüringen” as SS-Untersturmführer in 23 (MG) SS-Totenkopfhundertschaft. Frankenberg. On 12th May 1937 was written “since 19.4.36 Paul Kausch is a member of the 23rd (MG) Hundertschaft as Zugfuhrer. His theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabled him to become the leader of a “Hundert”. He has developed his lack of experience with great enthusiasm. His behaviour towards the men is correct. As a deficiency I feel that SS-Ustuf Kausch does not worry enough about the small concerns of his men, but I believe with certainty that SS-Ustuf Kausch, who is a very good soldier, will also become a fully developed SS-man. His performance is very good.”
Paul-Albert Kausch acknowledged receipt of the SS Honour sword and award document on 13.9.36.
From May 1938 to October 1939 Kausch served with SS-Totenkopfstandarte “Oberbayern”.
On 24 February 1939 approval was granted for the engagement and marriage of Paul-Albert Kausch, residing in SS accommodation at Dachau, to Fraulein Erika Holzschuher.
On 25.5.39 SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Eduard Deisenhofer, Kommandeur II./1.SS Standarte observed of Paul-Albert Kausch in an evaluation:
“A) Character:
1. Good qualities: open, straight, honest, sincere, reliable, responsible, dutiful, willing to serve, hardworking, economical, orderly, self-confessed, works on himself, striving for further development.
2.Bad qualities: makes personal demands.
3. Willpower: very good.
4. Decisiveness: good.
5. Hardness against oneself: good.
6. Mental freshness and disposition: very good.
7. Perceptive faculty: very good.
8. Judgment: good, slightly impulsive.
9. Outlook on life: affirmative.
B) Outer posture:
1. Cleanliness: very good.
2. Appearance and attitude: very good.
3. Behaviour towards superiors: correct.
4. Behaviour towards comrades: good.
5. Behaviour towards subordinates: good, somewhat cold.
6. Leadership aptitude: very good.
7. Takes care of his subordinates: yes.
8. Behaviour in company: very agile.
9. Physical preparedness: very good.
C) Formation:
1. Education: secondary school.
2. Served in the Army, SS-VT, Police, duration, last rank, special training: 1.6.33 to 1.4.35 LAH. Junker school, Braunschweig 35/36. Sept 38 to January 39 Heer 8./IR11.
3. Foreign languages mastered: none.
4. German language mastered in word and writing: yes!
D) Performance:
1. Masters service regulations: yes.
2. Command language: good.
3. What he teaches, he stands above the subject matter, he teaches confidently and convincingly, or is able to be superficial: impeccable.
4. Can he exercise his troop properly: yes.
5. Is he a capable trainer: yes.
6. How far his tactical knowledge reaches: Company leader.
7. What he does in field service: a) as teacher, b) as leader of his unit: a) good, b) good.
8. Which weapons does he master; he can teach about them: The weapons of the infantry battalion, - yes.
9. Does he master the doctrine for these weapons: yes.
10. How he handles internal service: strict, impeccable.
11. How does he handle the disciplinary power to which he is entitled: well, tends to sharpness.
12. Can be a role model for his men in ideological matters: yes.
13. Are the weapons, equipment and devices entrusted to him in order and complete: yes.
14. How does he do in sport; is he in possession of the sports badges: very good; yes.
15. Aptitude as an adjutant or leader in the staff: well suited.
E) Suitability Suitable as company commander, a schützen company, an MG company. Suitable as adjutant of a regiment, leader of a staff, leader of a concentration camp.
F) Overall assessment: A very capable, self-confident company commander, who will probably later also be suitable for use in higher positions. He is easily arrogant, because he knows what he can do, but with good supervision he is easy to keep in order.”
On Kausch’s brief service in the Heer as mentioned in Deisenhofer’s evaluation, Kausch was part of an exchange of Heer and SS officers for furthering the training of the SS officers. Kausch would claim that the commander of IR11 tried to persuade him to transfer permanently, with an offer of preferential promotion. Kausch returned to the Waffen-SS.
From the 1st of April to the 30th of April 1940 Kausch attended the SS Artillery School at Jüterborg. Following the completion of the course, Kausch was transferred to the 5th company of the SS-Totenkopf Artillery Regiment as a battery commander, where he would see action for the first time, during the campaign in France, as SS-Haupsturmführer.
On 1.12.1940 Theodor Eicke as Kommandeur II./SS TAR endorsed the following commentary on Kausch.
“Battery commander. Age: 29 years.
A) Character: open, honest, straight, responsible, committed, striving.
B) Value: Kausch is mentally very flexible, fresh and self-confident. His appearance testifies to trained personality values. In the service he is hard and unyielding according to necessity. His overall appearance corresponds to that of an SS officer.
C) National Socialist: Kausch is ideologically consolidated. He lives, acts and educates his subordinates by word and example according to the principles of the National Socialist ideology.
D) Soldier: Kausch is a soldierly educator from inner urge and disposition. He possesses quick decisiveness, energy, hardness and good soldier’s ability.
E) Attitude: his outer attitude is firm and soldierly. He treats his subordinates with much understanding, fair and caring. In the fighting in France, Kausch has distinguished himself through successful and responsible management of his battery, as well as through personal bravery.
F) Performance: Kausch is a good and responsible battery chief; his infantry and artillery knowledge, his organizational talent, as well as his abilities in leading a unit, Kausch has proved under most difficult conditions with the establishment of the SS TK A.R., in particular in the fighting in France. Kausch is well versed in the exercise of disciplinary and penal powers. He possesses good knowledge of human nature and clear and just judgement. To his subordinates he is a strict superior, good educator and equally good comrade. During his assignment in France, Kausch proved himself not only through his flawless management of his battery, but also through his personal bravery, and was awarded the EKII and EKI for this.
G) Overall verdict: Kausch is an impeccable, good battery commander, and his service is characterised by a lot of enthusiam for his job and an equally great sense of responsibility. Kausch has successfully attended a leadership course at the artillery school in Jüterborg.
H) aptitude: as company leader of a battery, as leader of a battalion.”
Following the successful conclusion of the French campaign, SS-Haupsturmführer Kausch received notice on 1.1.1941. of his transfer to the SS-Division “Wiking” with the position of divisional adjutant. From August 1941 until January 1942, Kausch was the commander of the 1st Battalion of “Wiking’s” Artillery Regiment.
On 30.1.1942 Kausch received his promotion to SS-Sturmbannführer, still in his capacity of divisional adjutant. He was described by Herbert Gille as “an honest, straight character who is popular with both superiors and subordinates. His services as abteilung commander meet the requirements. Well proven before the enemy.” Felix Steiner endorsed Gille’s opinion, commenting “Reliable, energetic and proven. As Battalion commander fully suitable for promotion.”
On 23.1.43 Kausch was sent to the Abteilungsfuhrerschule fur Schnelle Truppen and described as a “gifted SS leader with good tactical ability. He is inclined to criticism, but is interested in working with the new equipment and will quickly familiarise himself with the new doctrine” agreed by the Oberst and kommandeur of the schule. Shortly afterwards, from 16.3.43 - 24.3.43. The SS-FHA of SS-Pz.Gren.Div "Wiking" sent Kausch again to the Schnelle Truppenschule for a training course with the Panzer V (Panther) and Panzer VI (Tiger).
After commanding an Artillery battalion in SS-Division “Wiking” Kausch was transferred to the 11th SS-Panzergrenadier Division “Nordland”, tasked with the creation of 11th SS Panzer Battalion “Hermann von Salza” as its commander.
SS-Gruppenführer Fritz von Scholz wrote the following of SS-Sturmbannführer Kausch, “since May 1943 Kausch has commanded SS-Panzer Battalion “Hermann von Salza”; he is a solid, somewhat idiosyncratic, lively personality. He is energetic, and knows how to motivate and lead his subordinates. Mental and physical performance is fully delivered. Official knowledge and performance of official languages. Unfamiliarity in the use of tanks is balanced by personal operational readiness. Able to develop. off duty at times a little overexcitable, nevertheless popular among comrades. Worldview consolidated and clear, convincing lecturer. Proven before the enemy in all situations. Fills his position fully. Will be after further promotion a good, reliable Panzer Battalion commander.”
After “Hermann von Salza” arrived at Narva, Kausch led the mass of the unit in infantry combat to the south of Narva town, while Artur Grathwol led the one armoured company at the Narva Bridgehead. “Hermann von Salza” then took over the armour left behind by the KG Fuehrer Begleit-Bataillon, and Kausch finally led armoured attacks in the defence of the Tannenberg Line.
Wounded from 21.7-1.8.44, Kausch was recommended for (paperwork submitted 30th July 1944), and awarded the Knight’s Cross (#3437) on 23rd August 1944 for “On the 29.7.1944 the impending breakthrough of the 120. Russian Rifle Division was thwarted. That Kausch, whose command post was already surrounded, being protected by machine-pistol troops, gathered together a few men and led a counter-attack. By skilful exploitation of our own armoured attack in the neighbouring section, the gap in the front was closed again. Success: Close down the dangerous (fighting-critical) threat against the deep southern flank of the defence of the Narva-bend. On the 28.7.44 Kausch led, in lightning-fast grasp of the situation, by ruthless audacity, gathering together assault guns and panzergrenadiers, attacking the enemy on a broad front against the gap in the line. He closed the gap and prevented a breakthrough on the Reval by the enemy formations. Kausch was wounded in the conduct of an attack on the 29.7.44.
Following his convalescence, Kausch was subsequently sent on the 17th Regimental commanders training course at the Panzer Troop School Bergen from 20.11-16.12.44.
Of Kausch SS-Standartenjunker Will Fey wrote “During the final battle for Berlin, the 11th SS Panzergrenadier Division “Nordland”, with the King Tigers of SS-Panzer Abteilung 503 became the central point of the last resistance against the Red Army. On April 26th SS-Brigadeführer Gustav Krukenberg reported six King Tigers and assault guns ready for action on the routes leading to the government quarter (the “Citadel”). The King Tigers received their battle orders from Kausch’s command posts of SS-Panzer Regiment “Nordland” on the Tiergartenstrasse. On 2nd May during the breakout from the Citadel, the armoured personnel carrier with the critically wounded Paul-Albert Kausch on board was buried by a collapsing wall, injuring the commander further. The accompanying medical officer Dr. Bartak transported him to the emergency hospital at the Adlon Hotel and operated on Kausch as best possible. Around 10am the Russians came and his captivity began. After the hospital was moved to Frankfurt am Oder and after two unsuccessful escape attempts, Kausch’s long trek through many many Russian camps during eleven years of captivity began. He returned home on 16 January 1956.”
Some other camps Kausch was interred in were Minsk, Stalingrad and Sverdlovsk.
SS-Untersturmführer Karl Heinz Bögel of the LAH recalled of Kausch’s time in captivity in Prison camp 437 in Cherepovice, 400 kilometers north of Moscow. “In a camp corner there was a special barbed wire prison, about 5x5 meters in size. Paul Albert Kausch was held here. 1945: Everything was broken. Deep despair. Chaff of doom. Without hope. But there was this man, this soldier. Unbroken! Taut and disciplined, he did daily gymnastics exercises in his cage. Alone. Always! The torturers of the NKVD brutally terrorized him. His fate moved us all. He became a legend in the camp. In the first winter 2,000 prisoners died. Every day we marched past the wire cage: generals, staff officers, young lieutenants. Me too. The generals set the example: Older gentlemen, straightened up, greeted the man in the cage with great military respect. It was a ritual. I also survived. Not least because Kausch was there. I have to thank you!”
After his return to Germany, Kausch rebuilt his life; from 1st July 1956 to 30th June 1976 he worked as an executive purchaser in a worldwide pharmaceutical firm.
Sources used:
Paul-Albert Kausch Personalakte: NARA.
“Officer Training in the Waffen-SS” Richard Schulze-Kossens, 1987 by Munin Verlag.
“Armor Battles of the Waffen-SS”: Will Fey, 1990 by JJ Fedorowicz Publishing.
“Der Freiwillige”, Volume 48, Issue 4, April 2002.
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